Tonight we come together to let Heather know how much we love her, how much we pray for her and want her joy to be complete as she marries the one God has just for her.
All of us can remember things about Heather as she grew up. I remember the shower Tina had in their little brown house for the new little one. We all enjoyed watching gifts be unwrapped and we shared our love and best wishes with Heather and Mama. The one thing I remember best is the time Daddy and Heather sang,
"Verily, Verily, I say unto you,
Verily, Verily, message ever new,
He that believeth on the Son, tis true,
Hath everlasting life."
Heather was not the tall, slender, young lady then, so Daddy knelt down on one knee so they could sing together. Do you remember? I do and I can see that little girl yet in my mind's eye. And she did believe and she still believes and she does have everlasting life.
She came to Sunday School, Jr. Church, Vacation Bible School, and Prairie Christian Academy. She has grown taller, wiser, and now is preparing not only to be Matt's wife, but also his helpmate as they answer together God's calling to go to the mission field of Argentina. Heather chose to go to Providence Baptist College and study Elementary Education. She would be prepared to work with the younger children that she loves.
God has such wonderful plans for His children and this time He decided that Heather needed a special friend that just possibly would turn out to be more than special. God knows folks in Dubuque, Iowa as well as people in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Down there was a young farm boy that just might fill the bill. Oh, I expect his Mom and Dad thought he would probably come back home to farm the family place. Not knowing Matt's parents, but being a parent, you desire to have family close by. But, first of all, you want God's will for your child. So, Matt was off to Providence.
One day he made a phone call to ask permission to take Heather to school and church activities. "Oh, Mike!", I kidded him! He should never have said "yes" for one day he would be getting an even bigger, more important request. And he did. So now Dad will be going once more with his daughter to the altar. This time he will not have to kneel for Heather has grown up. This time he will give her to Matt..."to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, till death do they part." There will be a lump in the throat and a tear or two as he and Pat remember the little bundle of joy they so gladly welcomed into their faimly. There will be joy, joy, and lots of it as they listen to the vows, the prayers, and the charges to their daughter and son-in-law.
Heather, there will be many prayers going up--thanking God for saving you and receiving you into His family, for your Christian walk in our church and school, for your desire to serve the Lord, and for giving you a born-again Christian for a husband. Tonight we can't see the road ahead that you two will travel. We do not know what trials will come your way. we do not know what God has in store for you. This we do know--His will is perfect, His promises never fail, He will meet your needs and "He will never forsake you." You have answered His call together now. Argentina is not just next door, but you can go knowing the prayers and love of your family and church go with you. When you hurt, so will we, when you rejoice, we'll join you. We'll always welcome you home, but we'll also send you on your way to wherever God leads with our blessing.
God said there was not found one for Adam as he was naming all the ones that God had created. So He caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and created woman for him from one of his ribs. She was to be a helpmeet and comfort. Tonight, Heather, we all wish you joy as you prepare to be that helpmeet and comfort. We love you!"
~Shared by Mrs. Betty Rodgers~
Devotion at Heather's bridal shower
at Bible Baptist Church
Prairie du Chien, WI
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So glad to hear from you! :)